Decoding the Gurus

DTG Christmas Quiz 2024 with Helen Lewis & Badstats

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Dec 13, 2024
Join Helen Lewis, an insightful quizmaster and author, and Dan Gilbert, known as Bad Stats, for a festive exploration of genius and contemporary discourse. They engage in a delightful Guru Quiz, challenging each other's knowledge of influential figures. Discussing the evolution of genius from Edison to Musk, they critique modern success metrics and media influences. The duo also navigates quirky survival team challenges and playful animal trivia, blending humor and critical insights into today's cultural climate.
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ANECDOTE

Gurus Going Mainstream

  • Helen Lewis recounts observing gurus of the US election entering mainstream politics.
  • She expresses concern about this trend, finding it surreal and unhealthy.
INSIGHT

The Genius Myth

  • Helen Lewis discusses her book, "The Genius Myth", which explores how society's definition of genius reflects its values.
  • She argues that "genius" often combines achievement with cultishness, not solely achievement.
ANECDOTE

Edison and Musk

  • Helen Lewis draws parallels between Thomas Edison and Elon Musk, highlighting their reliance on teams and tendency for "vaporware".
  • She emphasizes that Edison's fame grew as his inventions became less interesting, similar to Musk's trajectory.
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